Many people do not realize that garbage rules and regulations are determined by the state and federal government. Whether garbage comes from a business, industry, or home, it must go to a specific landfill. The Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill is a modern, Subtitle D lined landfill that is designed to protect our air, land, and water quality. The Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission is dedicated to providing safe and effective methods in the management of solid waste in Black Hawk County, Iowa while protecting our natural resources.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources divides the state into comprehensive planning areas to help control waste and ensure that cities and counties work towards reducing the amount of materials going into Iowa landfills. The Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission has a signed 28E agreement with all cities and the unincorporated area in Black Hawk County and is part of the Iowa Northland Regional Council of Governments’ Solid Waste Comprehensive Planning Area.

The Landfill Service Area includes:

• All cities and the unincorporated area in Black Hawk County
• All cities and the unincorporated area in Bremer County
• All cities and the unincorporated area in Fayette County
• Within the cities of Jesup and Fairbank in Buchanan County
• Within the cities of Dike, Grundy Center, Morrison, Reinbeck and Stout in Grundy County

Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill Rules and Regulations

In accordance with state and local regulations, the Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission has developed a Full List of landfill rules and regulations, including (but not limited to):

• Special wastes require prior approval.
• Loads with animal carcasses are to be identified at the Scale House (Agricultural and industrial customers are to contact Landfill for additional acceptance criteria)
• ALL loads must be transported inside of a closed vehicle OR covered 100% with a tarp, tied down, and secured in all areas from the point of origin (or additional fees apply).
• All vehicles are required to weigh in before dumping AND weigh out before leaving.
• Children and pets must remain in the vehicle.
• Materials in the Small Loads Area must be separated as directed by the attendant.
• Vehicles must be unloaded and out by closing times.
• Cash, credit cards or check only.
• The Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill will enforce a Fluorescent Safety Vest Policy:
  • Safety Vest is required in the cell by ALL unloading at the Working Face.
  • Safety Vest is required by All Commercial Haulers that use the Yard Waste Area.
  • Safety Vest is not required at the Small Loads Area.
  • Homeowners that use our facility are not required to wear a safety vest at the Small Loads Area or the Yard Waste Area.

*Please note: The Black Hawk County Solid Waste Management Commission does not collect any materials and they do not operate any waste hauling vehicles. Contact your city regarding their garbage, recycling, and yard waste services. Many private businesses also provide waste hauling services and rent out dumpsters to businesses and individuals.

Onsite Yard Waste Composting

The Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill manages an onsite composting program for yard and garden waste, brush and other vegetative debris. People are no longer allowed to take compost from the landfill. The landfill is trying to reduce the spread of an invasive insect named the Emerald Ash Borer. All vegetation brought to the landfill stays at the landfill and the finished compost is used onsite.

Unacceptable Wastes

The Black Hawk County Sanitary Landfill does NOT accept the following for landfilling:

• Auto Hulks
• Batteries
• Raw Sludges
• Radioactive Wastes
• All Liquids
• Herbicides, Insecticides, Pesticides, and any other toxic or hazardous materials listed by the EPA or Iowa DNR

Banned from landfill yet collected for recycling:

• Appliances and Light Fluorescent Light Fixtures (with or without ballasts and tubes)
• Tires
• Residential Fluorescent Tubes and Lamps